Bus and Coach Exhibitions 2026 – Birmingham, United Kingdom
Overview
The Bus & Coach Expo 2026 marks the inaugural edition of the UK’s premier event for the road passenger transport sector, uniting operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to showcase innovations in zero-emission vehicles, digital technologies, and sustainable services. Held at the NEC Birmingham, it covers public transport, education, tourism, and community mobility, with exclusive vehicle displays, live demonstrations, expert conferences, and hands-on workshops driving discussions on decarbonisation, fleet efficiency, and passenger experience.
Co-located with the Commercial Vehicle Show, the expo provides free access to both events, expanding reach to over 4,000 visitors, 100+ exhibitors, and 10,000+ products. Featuring 100+ speakers on topics like driver safety, policy, and net-zero strategies, it serves as a vital hub for networking with local authorities, procurement teams, and industry leaders in a dynamic environment focused on operational excellence and future-proofing the sector.
Event Highlights
- Main attractions: The exhibition hall displays the latest buses, coaches, minibuses, and technologies from over 100 leading exhibitors, including exclusive product launches in vehicle manufacturing, alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, and telematics for fleet management.
- Main activities or performances: Conferences deliver expert insights on decarbonisation, digital innovation, workforce development, and customer experience; live demonstrations showcase new vehicles and equipment, with world-first reveals transforming passenger transport operations.
- Special traditions or features: As a new annual platform in association with RHA and SMMT, it emphasizes cross-sector collaboration; the co-location with Commercial Vehicle Show creates a unified ecosystem for passenger and freight insights, fostering partnerships amid net-zero transitions.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Hands-on workshops and interactive zones allow testing of accessibility tech, CCTV systems, and sustainable solutions; dedicated networking lounges and seminar overviews provide tailored content for operators, engineers, and policymakers.
Why Attend
Bus & Coach Expo 2026 is essential for professionals navigating the evolving passenger transport landscape, offering direct access to cutting-edge zero-emission buses, telematics, and maintenance tools that reduce costs and enhance compliance. In Birmingham’s central hub, connect with fleet owners, authorities, and suppliers to source solutions for public, school, and tourism fleets, gaining actionable strategies on regulations, funding, and digital integration that boost efficiency and sustainability.
The event’s co-location amplifies value, blending passenger-focused innovations with broader commercial vehicle trends for comprehensive benchmarking. Whether modernizing depots or exploring EV infrastructure, attendees leave with high-quality leads, policy clarity, and collaborative opportunities to drive greener, smarter mobility forward in a competitive market.
Date & Duration
Dates: April 21 – 23, 2026 Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
Main venue: NEC Birmingham, Halls 4 & 5 City: Birmingham, United Kingdom Notable areas: Exhibition halls with demo zones and conference theaters; adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and rail station. Google Maps address: Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online pre-registration via the official website; on-site registration available for qualified professionals.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Free admission for industry professionals, operators, authorities, and students upon qualification.
- Ticket pricing in USD: $0 (free expo pass).
- Any special seating or VIP options: No VIP seating for expo; conference sessions included in free pass, with potential upgrades for premium workshops TBD.
- Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $0 (free) to maximum $0 (no paid entry tiers); optional add-ons like parking estimated $13 USD.
- No lottery; packages for groups or exhibitors available via site.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@nineteengroup.com (general inquiries); nick.davison@nineteengroup.com (event director); marketing@nineteengroup.com (visitor/exhibitor support).
- Phone: +44 (0)121 780 8820 (main line, Nineteen Group).
- Website: https://www.buscoachexpo.com.
- Social Media: @BusCoachExpo (LinkedIn, Twitter); Bus & Coach Expo (Facebook).
- Key Staff: Nick Davison (Event Director); Mark Griffin (Ambassador).
- Press/Volunteers: Press to pr@nineteengroup.com; volunteer opportunities TBD via general email.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest airport: Birmingham International Airport (BHX), directly adjacent to NEC (90-second free air-rail link).
- Public transport: Trains to Birmingham International Station (5-min walk to NEC); buses like X1 from city center (40 min); free shuttle from car parks.
- Parking: Over 16,500 on-site spaces; pre-book to save $13 USD (day rate ~$26 USD); EV charging hubs available; blue badge priority bays.
- By car: Access via M42 J6, M6, M40; postcode B40 1NT; follow event signage to designated lots.
- Other: Taxis/private hire from airport (~$13–20 USD); cycle paths from station (10-min walk); Megabus/National Express coaches to airport.
Accommodation Options
- Official partner: Event Express for discounted rates and flexible cancellations; book via expo housing portal.
- Nearby hotels: Holiday Inn NEC Birmingham (~$100–150/night, free shuttle, on-site parking); Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC (~$120–180/night, airport views, EV charging).
- Budget options: Premier Inn Birmingham NEC (~$70–110/night, family rooms, 24-hr shuttle); Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC (~$80–120/night, modern, near rail).
- Luxury/business: Hilton Birmingham Metropole (~$150–220/night, conference facilities, spa); voco Birmingham NEC (~$130–190/night, pool, direct NEC access).
- Other: Over 5,000 rooms within 5 miles; airport stay-park-fly packages; glamping pods at Resorts World for eco-stays.
Reviews
- Fantastic launch vibe with spot-on demos of EV buses that sparked real talks on fleet upgrades and left me buzzing about net-zero shifts.
- Loved the co-located setup—doubled my networking without extra travel, and the seminars nailed practical tips for depot efficiency.
- Hands-down the go-to for passenger transport pros; snagged leads on telematics that could slash our ops costs by 20 percent.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
Who can attend Bus & Coach Expo 2026?
The event welcomes operators, fleet managers, local authorities, transport planners, engineers, procurement teams, students, and suppliers in road passenger transport. Qualification requires professional affiliation for free entry; no general public access to maintain B2B focus. Families in education/tourism sectors qualify, but under-18s need supervision. Register online with job details for badge approval. It's tailored for 4,000+ visitors seeking innovations in zero-emission tech and policy. Early interest registration unlocks agendas and exhibitor previews.
Does my pass provide access to the co-located Commercial Vehicle Show?
Yes, one free expo pass grants unlimited entry to both Bus & Coach Expo and Commercial Vehicle Show across all three days, maximizing exposure to 200+ exhibitors and cross-sector insights. This dual access covers Halls 4 & 5 plus adjacent areas, ideal for blending passenger and freight solutions. No extra fees or separate badges needed—just present your digital/printed pass at gates. It enhances networking with broader transport ecosystems. Confirm via site if special sessions require upgrades.
What are the exhibition opening times and on-site facilities?
Open 09:30–17:00 on April 21–22, and 09:30–15:30 on April 23; arrival recommended 30 min early for registration. Facilities include cloakrooms, cashpoints, newsagents, Wi-Fi hotspots, prayer rooms, and diverse eateries from grab-and-go to full dining. Disabled access features ramps, quiet zones, and assistance; sustainable options like recycling stations abound. Download the app for real-time maps and session alerts. All support a seamless, productive visit for 4,000+ attendees.
Is parking available, and how do I pre-book it?
Yes, 16,500+ spaces on-site with free shuttles to entrances; pre-book via NEC site to save $13 USD (day rate $26 USD). EV charging (22+ points) and blue badge bays prioritized; follow M42 signage for easy access. Off-site airport lots available for longer stays. No event-included parking, but packages bundle with tickets. Eco-tip: Use public transport for free air-rail from BHX. Dynamic apps guide to nearest spots amid high demand.
Can students or children attend, and are there educational elements?
Students in transport/engineering qualify for free entry with ID; under-18s allowed only with adult pros, no unaccompanied children to ensure B2B environment. Seminars include youth-focused sessions on sustainability and careers. Explore workshops for hands-on learning in EV tech and policy. Childcare partners nearby; families in tourism qualify fully. It's a prime spot for emerging talent to network with 100+ speakers.
